Sometimes you may not be getting your periods regularly. Or maybe one of your friends or sisters is about to start menstruating but hasn't started yet. Along with that, you may also be complaining of lower abdominal pain. Maybe sex has become a painful experience. Although there are many reasons for this, sometimes it can be due to a small change in your body. Today we are talking about a simple surgery that can solve such a problem.
What is Hymenectomy?
Simply put, a hymenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves opening or removing part of your hymen. It is sometimes called a hymenotomy.
Now you may be wondering what the hymen is. It is a very thin, flexible piece of tissue located near the opening of your vagina. It usually stretches over time. For many people, the hymen opens naturally before their period starts. This is when menstrual blood can flow out of the body without any obstruction.
However, some people are born with a hymen that is slightly different, that is, irregularly shaped. Its size, shape, or thickness can make it difficult to menstruate normally, use a tampon, or have sex. In such cases, Hymenectomy surgery corrects these irregularities.
Why is it necessary to have a hymenectomy?
The main reason for this surgery is due to certain congenital conditions of the hymen. These can cause problems with menstruation and pain during sex. There are several main situations in which your doctor may recommend this surgery.
| Hymen Condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Imperforate hymen | The hymen completely covers the vaginal opening. There are no holes. This means that menstrual blood has no way to escape. |
| Microperforate hymen | The vaginal opening is almost completely closed, leaving only a very small opening. This can make menstruation very difficult and painful. |
| Septate hymen | An extra strip of tissue passes through the hymen, making the vaginal opening appear to be divided into two parts. This is a major obstacle when trying to insert a tampon. |
| Cribriform hymen | The hymen is made up of a bunch of tiny holes, like a sieve. This also prevents menstrual blood from flowing out. |
Sometimes doctors recognize these conditions as soon as a baby is born. But most often, it's discovered when a young girl has reached puberty and hasn't started menstruating, or when she can't get a tampon in.
Imagine, even if a child with an imperforate hymen starts menstruating, the blood has nowhere to go. Then the blood starts to accumulate inside the uterus, fallopian tubes, and abdomen. This causes severe abdominal pain. In some rare cases, this can even be life-threatening.
What happens before and during the surgery?
There is nothing to be afraid of about this surgery. It is a very simple, minor surgery.
Before surgery
When you meet the doctor, he will carefully examine your condition and decide whether surgery is necessary. He will then explain everything about the surgery, and what you need to follow before and after it.
This is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you don't need to stay in the hospital. You can go home a few hours after the procedure. Ask your doctor if there are any medications you need to stop taking a few days before the procedure. You may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for about 12 hours before the procedure.
How the surgery is performed
You will be given anesthesia during the surgery. Most often, it is local anesthesia. This means that only the area around the hymen is numbed. You may also be given other sedatives to help reduce your anxiety. This usually does not require general anesthesia.
A gynecologist performs this surgery. He or she uses a tool like scissors or a scalpel to cut away the extra hymen. The incision is then closed with absorbable stitches . These stitches also help control bleeding. The entire procedure takes less than an hour.
What happens after surgery? How to recover at home?
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored for a while. Once everything is confirmed to be fine, you can go home. Before going home, it is very important to listen carefully to the doctor's instructions.
These are the general tips:
- Do not insert anything into the vagina (e.g. tampons) for two to four weeks, or until your doctor gives you permission.
- To reduce pain and discomfort, sit in a warm water bath for a few minutes several times a day. This will also help the wound heal faster.
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive exercise until your doctor gives you permission.
- You can take common painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) for pain. But ask your doctor which medicine is best. Avoid taking medicines like aspirin, as they interfere with blood clotting.
- Sometimes the doctor will recommend a cream or spray to apply to the area.
- You can shower and wash your body as usual after surgery. However, be very careful when washing and drying the wound area.
It can take up to two months to fully recover, but most people can return to normal activities within two to four weeks.
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Advantages:
- The pain during sex will disappear and you can have a pain-free experience.
- Problems caused by a blocked vaginal opening (e.g., bleeding) are completely eliminated.
- Menstruation occurs regularly , without any interruptions.
- You will be able to use things like tampons.
Risks:
Like any surgery, there are some risks, but they are very rare.
- Swelling or inflammation of the wound
- Excessive bleeding
- Scar tissue formation
- Allergic reaction to the drugs used for anesthesia
Don't worry about these. Your doctor will do everything possible to minimize these risks.
When do I need to see the doctor again?
It is normal to feel some discomfort and pain after surgery. However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, you should seek medical advice immediately . You may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| Fever | If you have a fever that doesn't go down even after taking painkillers. |
| Abnormal discharge | If a yellow/green, pus-like discharge with a foul odor comes out of the vagina. |
| Heavy bleeding | If you are bleeding so heavily that a pad gets wet quickly. |
| Other features | If the area around the wound is red and looks like a rash, if there is burning or pain when urinating, if you feel dizzy or faint. |
Hymenectomy is a highly successful surgery to correct abnormalities in the hymen. After this, you can have normal periods, use tampons, and have sex without pain.
Take-Home Message
- Hymenectomy is a very simple and safe surgery that resolves problems with the hymen. Don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- If your period is irregular, accompanied by lower abdominal pain, or if sex is painful, don't be ashamed or afraid to talk to a doctor about it.
- The recovery time after this surgery is usually short. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly for a speedy recovery.
- These are common conditions that women can experience. You are not alone. These problems can be completely resolved by getting the right medical advice.
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